What To Know
- The question of whether Denver International Airport (DEN) is bigger than Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a matter of perspective and measurement.
- Denver International Airport, with its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, but its passenger traffic volume is significantly lower, with approximately 69 million passengers in 2022.
- Denver International Airport is renowned for its striking and unconventional architecture, featuring a white fabric roof and a series of iconic murals and sculptures.
The question of whether Denver International Airport (DEN) is bigger than Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a matter of perspective and measurement. While both airports are colossal transportation hubs, each has its own unique characteristics and distinctions.
Size Comparison by Area
In terms of total land area, Denver International Airport is indeed larger than Chicago O’Hare. DEN covers an expansive 53 square miles (137 square kilometers), while ORD occupies approximately 7,600 acres (31 square kilometers). DEN’s vast expanse includes runways, terminals, cargo facilities, and open land.
Size Comparison by Passenger Traffic
When it comes to passenger traffic, Chicago O’Hare is the undisputed heavyweight. In 2022, ORD handled over 84 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in the world for international travel and the second busiest overall in the United States. Denver International Airport, with its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, but its passenger traffic volume is significantly lower, with approximately 69 million passengers in 2022.
Size Comparison by Runway Count
Both Denver and Chicago boast impressive runway systems. Denver International Airport has six parallel runways, giving it the capacity to handle a high volume of aircraft simultaneously. Chicago O’Hare, on the other hand, has eight runways, including four parallel runways and four intersecting runways. The additional runways at ORD provide greater flexibility and redundancy in operations.
Size Comparison by Terminal Capacity
Denver International Airport has one main terminal, known as the Jeppesen Terminal. This massive facility spans 1.5 million square feet and houses 115 gates. Chicago O’Hare has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Terminal 5 is the largest of the four, with 90 gates. Combined, the four terminals at ORD provide a total of 238 gates.
Size Comparison by Cargo Volume
Denver International Airport is a major cargo hub for the western United States. In 2022, DEN handled over 1.5 million tons of cargo. Chicago O’Hare is also a significant cargo hub, but its volume is slightly lower, with approximately 1.4 million tons of cargo handled in 2022.
Size Comparison by Economic Impact
Both Denver International Airport and Chicago O’Hare are major economic drivers for their respective regions. DEN generates billions of dollars in annual economic impact, supporting over 100,000 jobs. ORD, with its larger passenger and cargo volumes, has an even greater economic impact, supporting over 200,000 jobs and generating billions of dollars in annual economic activity.
Size Comparison by Aesthetics and Design
Denver International Airport is renowned for its striking and unconventional architecture, featuring a white fabric roof and a series of iconic murals and sculptures. Chicago O’Hare, while not as visually distinctive, is known for its efficient and functional design, with a focus on passenger convenience and accessibility.
Final Note: A Matter of Perspective
In conclusion, the question of “Is Denver Airport bigger than Chicago?” does not have a simple answer. While DEN has a larger land area, ORD handles a greater volume of passengers and cargo. Both airports have unique strengths and characteristics, and their relative size depends on the specific metric being considered. Ultimately, the “bigger” airport is a matter of perspective and the specific criteria used for comparison.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which airport has more runways?
A: Chicago O’Hare has eight runways, while Denver International Airport has six.
Q: Which airport has more gates?
A: Chicago O’Hare has 238 gates, while Denver International Airport has 115 gates.
Q: Which airport has a larger economic impact?
A: Chicago O’Hare has a larger economic impact than Denver International Airport, due to its higher passenger and cargo volumes.
